Ruth A. Frady Oakes Essex
Ruth A. Frady Oakes Essex, 94, of Pikeville, Tennessee peacefully completed her life’s journey on Friday, January 24, 2025 at her home with her children by her side.
She was a loved momma, ma ma, grandma, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to six generations of her family as well as so many people she encountered during her blessed journey. She was the last member of not only her family and their spouses of 12 but her husband’s family and their spouses of 26.
Preceding her in death was her husband of 58 years and the father of her children, Woodrow Oakes; husband, Jennings Seals; and husband, Curtis Essex; parents, Fred and Matilda ‘Tildie” Frady; sister, Ruby (Charlie) Blankenship; brothers, Otto (Lennie) Frady, Fred Jr. (Pat) Frady, Oscar and Oliver Frady; and infant daughter, Julia Elaine Oakes.
She is survived by her loving children, Judy O. Swafford (Tom Goetz) and Wendell (Sheila) Oakes; grandchildren, Martin (Carla) Deweese, Mickey (Simone) Swafford, Ronee Swafford (Daniel), Will (Amber) Angel, Chad Oakes (Samantha “Sam” Walker), Ryan Oakes (Mandy Motes); great-grandchildren, Harlee Deweese, Jason Myers, Kaitee (Sammie) Oakes, Brayden and Brycen Angel, Mollee Oakes, C W Oakes, Cash Oakes, Expectant (girl), Cody Sexton, Katlyn Brandon, Rylan Oakes (Austin Cain), Krislyn Oakes (Eli), Emery and Lilly Oakes, Alex, Emilee, Hub, Sienna, Mika, Wyatt, and Stella Swafford; great-great-grandchildren, Brody, Jaxon, Aurora; along with the special/caring people who made her life better for the last several months, Helen LE Clair, Mary Jane Caldwell, Carla and Harlee Deweese, Kaitee and Mollee Oakes. God’s blessings to all of you!
A celebration of life was held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 26, in the funeral home chapel with Martin Deweese officiating. Burial was in the Blankenship Cemetery. The family will received friends 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Saturday, January 25, and Sunday 10:00 a.m. until service time at Pikeville Funeral Home.
Condolences can be made at www.pikevillefuneralhome.com. Pikeville Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
